Winners have been rated between 130 and 155 with seven between 139 and 146.

Winners have been priced between 10/3 and 22/1 with six returned at single figure SPs. Three favourites have been successful.

Seven winners finished in the first four on their preceding start and a further three had a top four finish to their name in their last three starts.

Eight winners had had no more than 15 starts over fences.

Nine winners had won over at least two miles four furlongs.

All winners had won a class 3 chase or above, nine a class 2 chase or above.

Seven winners had previously won a handicap; one of the exceptions was scoring on his handicap bow.

Six winners have been bred in France.

Six winners have been trained by Paul Nicholls.

There was a dead-heat in 2006 resulting in 11 'winners' over 10 renewals

Summary

Paul Nicholls has dominated this race and the Ditcheat handler is doubly represented and a chance is taken with his Ulck Du Lin.

He lacks a good recent run to his name but perhaps the fitting of a tongue tie can help bring about a return to form. He is French bred and has contested the same Cheltenham handicap as the last two winners of this race and ticks a number of the other key boxes and has also been placed over two miles and six furlongs.